Unfortunately, life tends to force you to look good, even when you feel, well, not so good. Whether it's your usual 9-to-5 demands or a friend's birthday you can't miss (without her giving you shit for weeks), sometimes you have no choice but to slough off the sweats and look presentable, regardless of the head cold you seem to have caught on the subway, the worst period cramps known to womankind, or over-serving yourself the night before (it happens). It's times like these when you need to know how to put yourself together with very minimal effort — and, luckily, it's actually much easier than you think.
You may have an assortment of the items ahead in your closet already, but the key is to balance those comfy elements with some slightly more polished ones. That way, the result is an outfit that looks intentional rather than lazy. You're not going to feel 100% all the time, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. Click on to learn how.
When You Have A Cold
Cozy up, sickling. Unfortunately, a fleece onesie won't suffice for a public outing, but you can get the same effect with a super-soft turtleneck layered underneath a pullover; it's just as comfortable, but on-trend, too. On the bottom, go for a pair of pants that look fancy, but feel like sweats. Finish the look off with a slip-on sneaker, and leave your heavy tote at home — instead, grab a clutch just large enough to fit some DayQuil and lots of Kleenex.
Clare V. Flat Clutch, $245, available at Clare V.; H&M Fine Knit Sweater With Ruffle, $34.99, available at H&M; J. Crew Tissue Turtleneck T-Shirt, $34.50, available at J. Crew; ASOS Digger D-Ring Sneakers, $41, available at ASOS; Mango Printed Baggy Pants, $59.99, available at Mango.
When You're On Your Period
Just, ugh. Bad news: You have cramps. Good news: Hoodies are now considered fashion, meaning you can leave the house in something forgiving. Layer a sweatshirt (in of-the-moment millennial pink) underneath a cozy pair of overalls that feel just as loose and comfortable as your oversized loungewear. Put on your favorite black bootie and throw on a backpack for your tampons, Midol, and whatever else proves necessary (chocolate?) — and let some happy earrings do the smiling for you.
H&M Hooded Sweatshirt, $24.99, available at H&M; Zara Cropped Dungarees, $49.90, available at Zara; Opening Ceremony Grunge Zip Booties, $295 $277, available at Garmentory; Kara Black Woven Small Backpack, $595, available at Kara; Justine Clenquet Smiley Earrings, $54, available at Justine Clenquet.
When You're Hungover
Last night was mad real — this morning, not so much. Get yourself together enough for brunch with a graphic pullover, a sweater skirt, and some sick shades (Sunlight? No thanks.). Keep the party going with the same moto jacket you wore last night and some eye-catching shoes that'll distract from whatever your hair is doing.
Sun Buddies Type 01, $175 $98.99, available at Need Supply; The Group Viola Skirt, $135, available at Aritzia; Madeworn Metallica Sweatshirt, $195, available at ShopSuperStreet; Avec Moderation Faux Fur Tiger Sandals, $ 336 $236, available at Forward By Elise Walker; Veda x Alice Lancaster Jacket, $1,500, available at Veda.
When You're Coming Out Of A 2-Day Netflix Binge
You've spent the weekend sedentary on the couch getting swallowed in Easy on Netflix, and you're not quite ready to face the world come Monday. Keep the PJs going with a set that's pretty enough to count for that sleepwear-as-streetwear trend. Polish it off with a denim jacket, a menswear-inspired loafer, and a colorful yet sleek crossbody, and no one will even realize you probably slept in your outfit the night before.
Sleepy Jones Marina Pajama Pant, $118, available at Sleepy Jones; Sleepy Jones Marina Pajama Shirt, $148, available at Sleepy Jones; & Other Stories Structured Leather Crossover, $135, available at & Other Stories; Cole Haan Women's Pinch Campus Hand-Stained Penny Loafer, $160, available at Cole Haan; Frame Denim Le Original Vintage Denim Jacket, $330, available at Kirna Zabete.
When You've Got An Early-Morning Flight
That 6 a.m. flight seemed like a good idea when you booked it, right? Now, you're waking up before the sun and have plans right when you land. Though you may feel like you're sleepwalking your way through the airport, you can still look put-together with a monochromatic pairing of comfy slacks, a silk robe, and a simple white T-shirt. Accessorize with some contrasting high-tops and a stylish catch-all, and you'll have mastered that model off-duty travel look without even realizing it.
Antonello Capriccioli Tote, $520, available at Garmentory; Topshop '80s Satin Duster Coat, $160, available at Topshop; Re/Done Hanes 1960s Slim Tee, $78, available at Re/Done; Uniqlo Women Satin Ankle Length Pants, $39.90, available at Uniqlo; Loeffler Randall Delaney High Top Sneaker, $350, avialable at Loeffler Randall.
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